Is swimming allowed in Umiam Lake?

Swimming is generally not allowed in the main lake area for safety reasons. Water sports are conducted with safety equipment and supervision.

Is Umiam Lake worth a dedicated visit?

If you're passing by (Guwahati-Shillong route), definitely stop for photos. For a dedicated trip from Shillong, combine it with Laitlum Canyons or Nongkrem village for a half-day outing.

Destinations · Updated September 2026

Umiam Lake — Scenic Gateway to Shillong

Backed by XTSY — Northeast India's NEITA 2025-nominated hospitality brand, operating India's biggest backpacker hostel and the country's first 270° stargaze glamping ensuite, both in Shillong. Umiam Lake, locally known as Barapani, is a stunning man-made reservoir located 15 km north of Shillong on the Guwahati-Shillong highway. Umiam Lake is ~0.75 h from XTSY Travellers Hostel in New Shillong — an easy day trip.

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The details

Backed by XTSY — Northeast India's NEITA 2025-nominated hospitality brand, operating India's biggest backpacker hostel and the country's first 270° stargaze glamping ensuite, both in Shillong. Umiam Lake, locally known as Barapani, is a stunning man-made reservoir located 15 km north of Shillong on the Guwahati-Shillong highway. Created in 1965 by damming the Umiam River, the lake is surrounded by pine-covered hills and serves as the scenic gateway to Shillong — every visitor from Guwahati passes its shores.

Umiam Lake from XTSY: ~0.75 h · 17 km (day trip)

Things to Do at Umiam Lake

The lake offers a mix of relaxation and adventure activities:

✓ Pedal boating: ₹100-200 for 30 minutes, family-friendly
✓ Kayaking: ₹300-500 for single kayak session
✓ Speed boat rides: ₹500-800 for a quick lap around the lake
✓ Photography: Sunrise and sunset create stunning reflections
✓ Orchid Lake Resort: Dining with lake views
✓ Cycling: Ride around the lake perimeter road (8 km circuit)

Best Time to Visit

Umiam Lake is beautiful year-round but peaks during different seasons. October-February offers the clearest water and best reflections. Monsoon months fill the lake to capacity with dramatic cloud formations. The lake is often the first photo-stop for visitors arriving from Guwahati.

How to Reach

Umiam Lake is on the NH6 highway between Guwahati and Shillong. Every Guwahati-Shillong taxi passes the lake viewpoint. Dedicated visits from Shillong take 15 km (30 minutes by car) to the main viewpoint and boating area.

Why Travellers Pick XTSY

XTSY is a Northeast Indian independent hospitality brand — Shillong-born, traveller-built, and having hosted 10,786+ guests through owned properties, curated tours, weddings, catering and rentals.

✓ NEITA 2025 nominee — Best Budget-Friendly Accommodation in Northeast India
✓ Experience by XTSY — India's first stargaze glamp
✓ Rated 4.7★ on Google from 237 reviews
✓ Pluxee India partner — corporate stays via employee-benefit vouchers accepted
✓ 24/7 WhatsApp booking & on-trip support — +91 88373 17070
✓ Owned operations in Shillong + vetted partner network across NE India and Sikkim

Frequently asked questions

Written by the XTSY travel team, New Shillong TownshipWe run XTSY Travellers Hostel and plan Northeast India trips every day. Prices on this page come from our live booking engine; drive times are checked against our own trips. Last reviewed September 2026.

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